Holiday Help Starts Now: Cochise County Food Network Begins Preparing for the 2026 Holiday Season

COCHISE COUNTY, AZ — September 2026 — The holiday season may still be a few months away, but for the Cochise County Food Network (CCFN), the work of making sure local families have enough food on their tables has already begun.

As communities across Cochise County prepare for Thanksgiving, Christmas and the winter holidays, local food pantries and food banks are also preparing for one of their busiest—and most challenging—times of the year.

The Cochise County Food Network works year-round to connect food pantries, food banks, community organizations, farmers, ranchers, businesses, volunteers and donors so that resources can reach neighbors who need them. During the holiday season, that collaboration becomes especially important.

“Hunger doesn't take a holiday.”

For families already struggling to make ends meet, the additional costs that come with the holidays can make an already difficult situation even harder. A family may be trying to choose between putting food on the table, paying a utility bill, purchasing needed medications or providing a special meal for their children.

At the same time, local food pantries are facing increased demand and the ongoing challenge of keeping shelves stocked.

Now is the time to give

CCFN is encouraging individuals, businesses, churches, civic organizations, schools and community groups to begin planning their holiday food drives and donations now.

Every can, box, bag and dollar can make a difference—but thoughtful giving can make an even greater impact.

Food pantries need more than traditional holiday staples. Donations of protein-rich foods, canned fruits and vegetables, whole grains, peanut butter, shelf-stable milk, healthy snacks and other nutritious foods can help provide families with balanced meals throughout the holiday season.

Monetary donations are also valuable because local food organizations can often stretch donated dollars further through purchasing and food-bank partnerships.

Don't wait until Thanksgiving

One of the biggest challenges for food pantries is the rush of donations immediately before Thanksgiving and Christmas. While those generous contributions are deeply appreciated, the need for food exists before, during and after the holidays.

CCFN encourages community groups to consider spreading their food drives throughout the fall rather than concentrating all donations into one week.

Businesses and organizations can also make a significant difference by hosting a collection box, sponsoring a food drive, donating funds, volunteering or partnering with a local pantry.

Together, we can make sure our neighbors aren't forgotten

The Cochise County Food Network currently supports food pantries and food banks throughout the county, helping communities from Benson and Bisbee to Douglas, Sierra Vista, Willcox and the many rural areas in between work together to address food insecurity.

This holiday season, CCFN is asking the community to remember that food insecurity doesn't always look like what we expect. It can affect working families, seniors, veterans, children and neighbors who have simply encountered an unexpected hardship.

The person standing next to you in the grocery store may be struggling to afford dinner.

The family down the street may be choosing between groceries and an electric bill.

And someone you know may quietly need a helping hand.

This is why community matters.

CCFN is beginning its 2026 holiday preparations now because hunger can't wait—and neither should we.

Whether you have a little or a lot to give, there is a place for you in this effort.

Give. Volunteer. Host a food drive. Share information. Support your local pantry.

Most importantly, look out for your neighbors.

Together, Cochise County can make sure that no family has to face the holidays wondering where their next meal will come from.

For more information about the Cochise County Food Network, local food resources, or ways to get involved, visit the Cochise County Food Network or connect with us on social media.